Community Gets Artsy with ‘Storefront’ Prints

SpeedPro Imaging owners Rick and Connie Rhind Robey in Silver Spring, Md., were recently testing HP Optimal Gloss Air GRP and HP Gloss Polymeric Overlaminate distributed by LexJet (Booth 6810) for wall graphics, and getting great results. When the community wanted to create outdoor displays on the back of buildings, Rick thought he’d give the product pairing a shot.

“We’d been using another product, but it’s kind of pricey,” Rick says. “The Optimal has the same characteristics, and maybe even a little better holding power.”

The project featured artwork created by local artists to simulate storefronts to cover the storage areas of the back of some the businesses along “Antique Row” in Kensington, Md.

“I loved the high-quality look of the images,” Connie says. “Each section was designed by a different artist. It’s important that the final piece looks great, and the artist loves it. It really shines in the high-end market place.”

The artwork has generated a lot of interest in the downtown area. “It speaks to the work of the artist, the work of the printer, and the material,” Connie says. “With this job, there’s no marketing message to hide behind. It’s showcasing art. And this product really shines.”

The versatility of the HP adhesive vinyl and overlaminate was a win for the Robey team.

“It’s fun to find a product that we like so much. We are excited to use it moving forward,” Rick says. “The graphics go on and stay on. That’s important. We’ve gained a lot of confidence in the product, and will recommend it to other SpeedPro locations.”